Venezuela denounces US oil seizure at UN as 'maritime piracy'

Venezuela has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United States of committing "maritime piracy" by forcibly seizing an oil shipment in international waters. The diplomatic move escalates a tense standoff amid a major US military buildup in the Caribbean region.

Allegations of a forced boarding and kidnapping

In a letter addressed to the Security Council president, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil detailed the alleged incident. The government of President Nicolás Maduro claims US military units "forcibly boarded a private vessel on the high seas, subdued and kidnapped its crew, and illegally seized a shipment of Venezuelan oil." Caracas insists the shipment was part of a "regular commercial operation" fully compliant with international law, framing the US action as a "flagrant violation" of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

A pattern of 'coercion and aggression'

The letter argues the seizure is not isolated but part of a "sustained policy of coercion and aggression" enforced through unilateral US sanctions. Venezuela demanded the immediate release of the crew, the return of the oil, and an end to interference with its lawful trade. It further called on the Security Council to publicly condemn the act and prevent "piracy from becoming established as an instrument of political coercion," also requesting confirmation that no UN resolution authorizes such actions against Caracas.

US justification and regional fallout

The United States has defended the seizure, stating the vessel was part of an "illicit oil shipping network" transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, allegedly supporting foreign terrorist organizations. This incident marks a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against the Maduro government, which includes significant naval deployments. The situation is observed closely by nations like Türkiye, which advocates for the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law, and opposes unilateral coercive measures that exacerbate regional instability.